People you should get to know: Erik Fong

BACKGROUND

I worked as an engineer briefly before entering the architecture profession 18 years ago. In that time, I've worked on projects of all types and sizes and established relationships with clients, contractors and consultants in various industries. As a partner and principal architect at MBA Architecture & Interior Design, I continue to build on those experiences and work toward strengthening the quality and diversity of our projects.

WHY I DO WHAT I DO

I love architecture and design. For me, it's the perfect balance of art and engineering; I get to use my creativity and my experiences to solve problems and make better environments for work and play.

WHAT BROUGHT ME TO RENO OR WHY I STAY IN RENO

My parents moved to the Reno/Sparks area when I was 10. Reno has great people, great weather and great outdoor activities. I love that there are days when I can experience all four seasons in one day.

WHAT I DO TO LEAVE WORK AT THE OFFICE

I go for a run; it's the only time I can't check email.

HOW I GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY

I serve as a counselor at Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) every summer. It is a camp for high school seniors which fosters independence, confidence and leadership skills. I am a member and current president of the Rotary Club of Reno Midtown. Our club engages in all types of service to our community, such as park clean-ups and food drives, but our fundraising efforts go mainly to the many youth service programs we support and to the eradication of polio worldwide. For more information on meeting times and locations, Look us up at www.renomidtownrotary.com or visit our Facebook page. I am also the Northern Nevada chapter president of the American Institute of Architects and helped to create an annual design symposium called DICE, which promotes better living and vibrant communities through good design.

BEST BUSINESS BOOK I'VE READ LATELY

"Predictably Irrational" by Dan Ariely and currently reading "The E-Myth" by Michael Gerber.

BEST PLACE IN RENO TO MEET WITH CLIENTS OR COLLEAGUES

The Grill at Quail Corners. The food is great, the staff is friendly and it's just around the corner from our office. There's always a good chance of running into a friend or a client at The Grill.

MY LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY

Find out what people are passionate about and put them in the best situation to be successful. I believe in giving people responsibility and freedom but also providing guidance and accountability.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

There are many projects I'm proud of, but my greatest achievement is the creation of my 10-year-old son Drew and my most notable collaboration with my wife Marleta. He is definitely the product of marrying well and, like most architect creations, is a work in progress.

IF I COULD DO SOMETHING ELSE, I WOULD ...

I absolutely love what I do, but if I had the talent to do something else, I think NFL quarterback might top the list. I think I would also like to compose scores for films, be a celebrity chef or help create movies at Pixar.

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People you should get to know: Erik Fong

I worked as an engineer briefly before entering the architecture profession 18 years ago. In that time, I've worked on projects of all types and sizes and established relationships with clients,

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